Cristal d'Arques Purple Glass Bear

At 7 cm tall and 6.5 cm wide, this Cristal d'Arques purple glass bear has the rounded, compact form and glossy polished finish that characterise the best decorative glass animal figures, the rich purple of the glass giving the piece a depth of colour that catches the light with the quality one expects from one of France's most respected glass manufacturers.

Made by Cristal d'Arques, the French glassware company founded in 1825 in the town of Arques in northern France, this bear figure is an example of the decorative glass animal and figurine work that the company produced alongside its more widely known tableware ranges. Cristal d'Arques, which became one of the world's largest glass manufacturers in the 20th century, brought the same quality of glass and finish to its decorative figures as to its crystal tableware, and this bear, with its rounded teddy bear form, clear sculptural accents, and high-polish finish, is a well-made and charming example of the genre. The rich purple glass, which gives the piece its most distinctive quality, is rendered with the clarity and depth that distinguishes quality crystal glass from lesser pressed glass. The piece is in very good condition throughout.

• Maker: Cristal d'Arques, France
• Dimensions: 7 cm (H) x 6.5 cm (W)
• Condition: Very Good
• Features: Purple glass, clear sculptural accents, rounded bear form, polished finish
• Period: 20th century
• SKU: CBD-0015

A delightful collector's piece of French decorative glass. Pairs naturally with the frosted pressed glass seated dog paperweight (SKU-00313) and the wider Crystal and Glass collection.